Gov. JB Pritzker in Springfield on Aug. 6 called the Texas House Democrats who fled the state for Illinois to thwart a Republican quorum to vote on a controversial congressional redistricting plan "heroes (who) are standing up for democracy."

It's unclear what role federal agents can play in the matter, and there were no reports of FBI activity in the area housing Texas Democrats as of Thursday morning.

Texas Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said Thursday the FBI has granted his request to assist Texas law enforcement in locating House Democrats who fled the state, setting up a potential confrontation with Illinois Democratic officials who have vowed to protect them.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) said Sunday that his state would protect Texas Democrats who fled to the Prairie State over GOP efforts to redraw the Lone Star State’s congressional maps.

State of play: Pritzker and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have a contentious political history. Abbott bused migrants to Chicago in 2022 without warning, while Pritzker took out full-page ads in Texas newspapers condemning Abbott for the move.

Just three of 17 Illinois congressional districts are represented by Republicans in a state where Trump won 44% of the 2024 vote.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has told NPR if Texas and other Republican majority states redraw new congressional districts outside the usual schedule after census periods, Illinois and blue states might follow the political escalation.

JB Pritzker recently voiced his support for Texas Democrats who are fighting what they call unfair redistricting by Texas Republicans. Admirable? Perhaps. But also just a touch ironic — like a man handing out fire safety pamphlets while carelessly flipping burgers over a bonfire on his porch.

Stephen Colbert confronted Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after the 'Late Show' host placed a congressional map of the state amid the politician's appearance.